The Board of Trade Releases 2019-2021 Strategic Plan

Today, at the 2018 Annual Meeting, the Board of Trade released a bold, new strategic plan for the years ahead. Read the opening letter from our leadership below, and to read the full document, download the PDF or view the mobile-friendly version

A Letter from our Leadership

We are living in a time of unprecedented change. Around the world, technology is evolving at breakneck speeds, urban populations are growing faster than ever, new markets are emerging as powerful economic centers, and our climate and natural resources are increasingly under strain. These changes represent significant opportunities and challenges, as witnessed by Amazon’s
decision to make a major expansion in the region.

Greater Washington will inevitably see its share of these changes over the coming years, but the shape of that change is up to us. We must collaborate to ensure a desirable and innovative business climate where our members prosper, resources are used wisely, people’s needs are met, and our urban spaces are planned thoughtfully—adding up to a region where everyone can thrive, for generations to come.

This strategic plan outlines how we will make this vision a reality. It is the culmination of an especially transformational and exciting year in which we welcomed Jack McDougle as CEO and, with input from across the membership, took a fresh look at our strategic direction while improving our internal capacity. It builds on our 130-year legacy of bringing together the region’s leaders for thoughtful discussion with an action-oriented agenda.

Our strategy is to better leverage technology and innovation to drive inclusive economic growth and improve livability. We will lead a smart region movement to tackle complex, systemic issues while keeping a long-term perspective. We will focus on issues where private sector engagement can make a clear difference, such as innovation, technology, economic diversity, investment, mobility, housing, and workforce development.

The Board of Trade’s ambitious agenda advocates that we work together across organizations and jurisdictions to ensure swift and steady progress. In some cases, the Board of Trade will lead on issues. When it doesn’t, it will support others with the capacity needed to get results. This is not a zero-sum game. We must also be iterative in our approach, creating a learning environment where
we can explore and implement new ideas.

Sincerely,

Kim Horn, President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. and 2018 Chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade

Tony Lewis, Region Vice President of Public Policy, Verizon and 2019 Chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade

Jack McDougle, President and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade